Book A Free Consultation now
Book A Free Consultation now
How to Replace a Lost or Expired Green Card With Form I-90
Book A Free Consultation now
Book A Free Consultation now
Proudly Serving Dallas & Houston.
How Form I-90 Replacement Works
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the form lawful permanent residents generally use to renew or replace a Green Card. It may be needed when a card expires, is lost or stolen, becomes damaged, or contains incorrect information.
Replacing your card does not mean applying for permanent resident status again. Your Green Card serves as proof of your lawful permanent resident status. If a 10-year card expires, your permanent resident status does not end simply because the card is no longer valid.
Having current documentation is important for situations such as employment and international travel. However, Form I-90 is not the correct form for every Green Card issue. The reason you need a new card determines whether you can use Form I-90 and what requirements apply.
There are several reasons you may need to file Form I-90. Each filing reason has different requirements, including the documents you may need and whether a filing fee applies.
Most lawful permanent residents receive a Green Card that is valid for 10 years. If your card has expired or will expire within six months, you can generally use Form I-90 to renew it. An expired 10-year Green Card does not automatically end your lawful permanent resident status. However, renewing it gives you current documentation of that status.
If your Green Card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can generally file Form I-90 for a replacement. You do not need to wait until the original card would have expired. If the card was stolen, you may also choose to report the theft to local law enforcement for your records.
You can use Form I-90 to replace a Green Card that has been damaged or is no longer readable. USCIS may require you to submit the damaged card as part of your application.
If your legal name or other biographical information has changed, you may use Form I-90 to request a card showing the updated information. For example, a name may change after marriage, divorce, or a court order. USCIS may require evidence of the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You may use Form I-90 if your Green Card contains incorrect information, such as an error in your name, date of birth, or other identifying details. The requirements may depend on how the error occurred. For example, different fee requirements may apply if USCIS caused the error rather than if incorrect information was provided with the original application.
If USCIS issued your Green Card but you never received it, first determine what happened to the card after it was mailed. USCIS has a non-delivery inquiry process for certain cards that do not reach their intended recipient. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file Form I-90 for a replacement. Checking the card’s delivery status first can help you determine the correct next step and whether a filing fee applies.
Some older versions of the Permanent Resident Card may need to be replaced. Whether you need Form I-90 depends on the type of card you have and whether it has an expiration date.
A two-year conditional Green Card cannot generally be renewed with Form I-90 simply because it is about to expire. Instead, conditional permanent residents must use the appropriate process to remove the conditions on their status.
If you obtained conditional permanent residence through marriage, this generally means filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.
Form I-90 may still be used to replace a valid two-year card that was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged.
The Form I-90 process varies based on why you need a new Green Card, but it generally involves these steps:
Confirm your reason for filing: Determine whether your card is expired, expiring, lost, stolen, damaged, or needs to be corrected. Your filing reason affects the documents and fees required.
Gather your documents: You may need your current or expired Green Card, government-issued identification, or proof of a legal name or other personal information change.
Complete Form I-90: Provide the information required for your filing category and review the form carefully before submitting it.
Pay the filing fee, if required: Fees vary by filing reason, and some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver or exemption. Check the current USCIS fee schedule before filing.
Submit your application: Form I-90 may be filed online or by mail, depending on your filing category. Use the current USCIS filing address if you apply by mail.
Receive your Form I-797 receipt notice: USCIS generally sends a receipt notice after accepting the application. For certain renewals, this notice may extend the validity of an expired Green Card when the two documents are presented together.
Attend a biometrics appointment, if required: USCIS may ask you to provide fingerprints, a photograph, or other identifying information.
Respond to USCIS requests: If USCIS asks for additional evidence or information, follow the instructions and respond by the deadline on the notice.
Receive a decision: If USCIS approves your application, your replacement Green Card will be mailed to the address on file.
Processing times vary. Check current USCIS processing times for the latest information about Form I-90 applications.
Many people can complete a routine Form I-90 application without an attorney. Legal guidance may be useful when the issue involves more than simply renewing or replacing the card, such as when:
A previous Form I-90 application was denied.
You receive a USCIS notice or Request for Evidence that raises questions about your case.
There is a question about your lawful permanent resident status.
You have been involved in removal or other immigration court proceedings.
You urgently need proof of your status for travel or employment.
You are unsure whether your circumstances require Form I-90 or another immigration process.
In these situations, speaking with an immigration attorney may help you understand the issue, determine the correct next step, and respond to any USCIS requirements.
Your lawful permanent resident status does not end simply because your Green Card expires or you file Form I-90. However, the documents you can use to prove work authorization depend on your circumstances. USCIS may issue a Form I-797 receipt notice that, when presented with an expired Green Card, extends evidence of your status for the period stated on the notice.
If you need proof of your status while waiting for a replacement Green Card, you may be able to use your expired card together with a qualifying Form I-797 receipt notice. If you do not have your card or need other temporary evidence, USCIS may provide temporary proof of permanent resident status after you file Form I-90.
If USCIS denies your application, the denial notice should explain the reason for the decision. You generally cannot appeal a Form I-90 denial, but you may be able to file a motion asking USCIS to reopen or reconsider the decision. Your options will depend on why the application was denied.
Being eligible to apply for naturalization does not automatically remove the requirement to have valid proof of permanent resident status. Whether you should file Form I-90 while pursuing citizenship depends on your circumstances, including the condition and expiration date of your current Green Card.
If USCIS shows that your new Green Card was mailed but you did not receive it, check the tracking information and your mailing address first. USCIS provides a process for reporting certain documents that were not delivered. Depending on what happened to the card, you may need to submit a non-delivery inquiry or take additional steps to request another card.
